A Day in Delhi: A Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary with Timings
Delhi is a city where history, culture, spirituality, and modern life exist side by side. From centuries-old monuments and bustling bazaars to peaceful shrines and vibrant food streets, Delhi offers countless experiences in a single day. If you have limited time, this one-day Delhi itinerary with timings will help you explore the best of the city without feeling rushed.
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Morning in Old Delhi: History & Street Life
Start your day early in Old Delhi, when the streets are less crowded and the weather is pleasant.
Jama Masjid (7:00 AM – 7:45 AM)
Your first stop should be Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, this magnificent structure is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture. Climb the southern minaret for a panoramic view of Old Delhi—red rooftops, winding lanes, and the endless energy of the city below.
Chandni Chowk Walk & Breakfast (7:45 AM – 9:00 AM)
Chandni Chowk is located behind the Jama Masjid, and it’s one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets. This is a great place to look around and absorb the atmosphere. You will find plenty of shops selling saris, spices, silverware and more here. So, you may find some nice Indian souvenirs while you’re there.
This market is also a nice place to try some delicious Indian food. There are many places to eat at Chandni Chowk, and you will love this place if you enjoy tasting new food!
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Red Fort & Mughal Legacy
Red Fort (9:30 AM – 10:30 AM)
Head towards the iconic Red Fort. Even if you don’t go inside, the massive red sandstone walls tell stories of Delhi’s royal past and make for great photographs. if you’re planning to visit inside, it can take 1–1.5 hours if you want a full tour.
You will find beautiful gardens here, as well as the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and the Diwan-i-Amn (Hall of Audience), two impressive halls that will give you an idea of what the fort looked like in the olden days.
There is also a bazaar full of souvenirs inside the fort, as well as a museum containing paintings and artifacts dating from the Mughal era.
11:00 am: India Gate
Take a cab from Old Delhi to India Gate (~25–30 min depending on traffic)
Formerly known as the All India War Memorial, this is another one of Delhi’s most famous landmarks. The India Gate is a war memorial dedicated to the 84,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who died during WWI. The gate was inaugurated in 1931, and its architecture is often compared to the Gateway of India in Mumbai and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
You can walk around the India Gate lawns and enjoy a morning stroll , Click photos of this war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers. If you’re tired a little then you can also Relax in the green lawns, often filled with locals and tourists.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Connaught Place (Lunch & Exploration)
Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (11:30 AM – 12:10 PM)
From India Gate to Bangla Sahib it took around (~10 min by cab/auto).
Bangla Sahib is a beautiful Sikh temple in Delhi, known for its golden dome, serene pond, and spiritual atmosphere. It’s a place of peace, devotion, and community service.
“You can offer prayers, admire the stunning architecture, participate in the langar (community meal), and enjoy the calm surroundings.”